Charlotte beats Norfolk 5-2
July 20, 2013 - International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release
Charlotte's Andy Wilkins hit a go-ahead two-run home run in the sixth inning, powering the Knights to a 5-2 win over the Tides in front of 8,113 fans Saturday night at Harbor Park.
With the Tides leading 2-1 in the sixth inning, Norfolk starter Josh Stinson departed the contest with two outs and a runner on first. Mike Belfiore (1-1) was summoned from the bullpen to face Wilkins, but the left-handed slugger smashed a 1-0 pitch into the right-field party deck to give the Knights a 3-2 lead. The homer was the fifth in the last four games for Wilkins, all of which have come against Tides pitching.
Stinson turned in his fifth straight strong start, as he surrendered just two hits in 5.2 innings of work. The 25-year-old right-hander walked four and struck out four, and he's now posted a 2.55 ERA over his last five starts to lower his season ERA to 4.05.
Norfolk managed just two hits on the evening, both of which came off the bat of newcomer Eric Thames. Thames, who was playing in his first game with the Tides after being acquired from Seattle on June 30, belted a solo homer in the fourth inning before adding a single in the sixth.
Andre Rienzo (7-6) earned the victory after holding the Tides to two runs on one hit in 5.1 innings. Rienzo struggled with his control as he issued six walks, but he also struck out six as he won his second straight start over the Tides. Leyson Septimo and Jake Petricka followed Rienzo and faced the minimum over the final 3.2 innings, with Petrick earning his first save of the season.
The loss was the first for the Tides when leading after five innings of play, as they had been 37-0 in those scenarios entering the contest. Norfolk also lost for just the ninth time this season when plating the first run of the game.
The two clubs will wrap up their brief two-game set on Sunday night at Harbor Park, with first pitch slated for 6:05. Kevin Gausman (0-1, 7.20) is scheduled to take the hill for Norfolk against southpaw Charlie Leesman (2-1, 3.27).
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